384 USEFUL BIRDS. 
calities the swarming House Sparrows will come to the feast 
and drive the native birdsaway. A hinged shelf (Fig. 162) 
supported by a light spring, which has been designed by a 
contributor to Bird-Lore, is believed to be Sparrow-proof. 
This method of feeding gives an opportunity to see what 
foods are selected by wild birds when given their choice. 
It is interesting to note that the birds at our windows have 
not learned to eat bread except in the shape of fine crumbs. 
When birds learn that bread is good, they will eat it from 
the loaf. Many kinds of food may be utilized ; doughnuts, 
frozen milk, pork rind, nuts, and seeds all find favor with 
the birds. Jays prefer chestnuts and corn. Sand and coal 
cinders give birds the wherewithal to grind their food when 
snow covers the usual supply of material on the ground. 
Every family living in the country in winter needs the 
pleasure and community of interest to be had in thus cater- 
ing to the wants of the birds. Each farmhouse should have 
at least one window shelf for them. We should teach the 
_ children to feed them and watch for them. Thus we may 
benefit both child and bird, and gain pleasure and profit for 
ourselves. 
Attracting the Summer Birds. 
The term “summer birds” may be defined as including 
all summer residents, or those birds whieh remain through 
the summer to breed. In winter we have only to offer food 
to the birds to attract them; shelter and protection will 
retain them; but in summer birds must have food, water, 
protection, and a home. Food in quantities they always 
need, especially when engaged in rearing their young. 
Nature provides this in summer, but we may help them 
even then by putting out favorite foods. The supply of 
suet should be kept up until hot weather, and it is better 
to continue it all summer, for its presence may decide some 
of the resident birds to remain and nest near the house or 
in the orchard. The male Chickadee will take suet to feed 
to his sitting mate, and the parent birds will take it for a 
part of their own food while feeding their young mainly on 
insects. 
If we wish to attract useful birds to the garden, it is well 
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